Teams search for dog missing since Plaza explosion

Nearly two weeks after the explosion and fire destroyed J.J.'s restaurant on the west edge of the Country Club Plaza, a search is still going on for one of the victims.

Perceus, a yellow Lab owned by Dr. John Vestraete, was frightened by the events of Feb. 19 and took off running from Vestraete's medical spa near the explosion site. No one has been able to get Perceus back home ever since.

A large group of people gathered on the Country Club Plaza to spread out and search for the dog. Searchers said they've been told that panicked dogs on the run will take a path of least resistance, so they're looking in open areas near the Plaza and along Brush Creek. They said they're also looking in parking garages and stairwells in the Plaza.

"We're just really hopeful that we can find some clues, if not find him, today," said searcher Jamie Straley. "We've got to things on our side, which is hope and action. We hope today that both of those will result in his safe return."

There have been periodic sightings of a dog fitting the description of Perceus, last seen running north on Roanoke Parkway.

A $1,500 reward is available for anyone who finds and returns Perceus. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 816-210-4942.

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